Electromagnetic valve construction



Nov. 4, 1952 R. BQCLAY ETAL 2,616,452

ELECTROMAGNETIC VALVE CONSTRUCTION k SHEETS4SHEET 1 Filed March 6, 1951 ATTORNEYS Nov. 4,1952 R.- B; CLAY m; 2,616 452 Filed narctifls, 1951 2 sHEETs-sHEEm 2 miimommm VALVE couswaucnou INVENTOR. 653 .G ffzi'ich ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 4, 1952 ELECTROMAGNETIC VALVE CONSTRUCTION Robert B. Clay and George A. Goepfrich, Norwalk, Conn., assignors to The Skinner Chuck Company, Norwalk, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application March 6, 1951, Serial No. 214,162

14 Claims.

It is the general object of the present invention to provide a valve of simplified low-cost construction which lends itself particularly to rapid. inexpensive and easy assembly during the manufacturing operation, or to similar disassembly as for repair purposes. Further, the construction is such as to permit quick and easy modification for operation in different ways such as a normally opened or a normally closed valve.

The full nature of the invention, together with all of its objects and advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following description of one illustrative embodiment thereof which is shown graphically in the annexed drawing in which:

The Fig. l is a cross sectional view axially through a valve of generally cylindrical configuration;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the valve illustrated in Fig. l, and may also be considered as a bottom plan view since the top and bottom views are essentially the same;

Fig. 3 is a partial side plan view illustrating the key and key hole structures hereinafter more fully described;

Fig. 4 is a cross section along the line 4-4 of Fig. 1 illustrating better the cross section of the operating plunger of the valve;

While the Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. l of a modification.

Referring to the drawing, the principal operating elements of the valve thereshown may be considered as supported from and within a cylindrical outer containing casing iii having a tubular conduit ll afiixed to the side walls thereof for the purpose of housing lead-in wires l2 which may extend through a suitable opening l3 in casing M for connection with the operating electromagnetic coil I4. Closing the open ends of the casing iii are first and second annular end planes i5 and [6 respectively. These end plates preferably have outer diameters approximately equal to the inner diameter of casing l9, whereby they fit loosely within the casing except when fixed in position by the key and key hole means to be described below. The inner diameter of the end plates is approximately equal to the inner diameter of a cylindrical sleeve ll of nonmagnetic material (e. g. brass or nonmagnetic stainless steel) which, asshown, extends between the two end plates and which abuts loosely first and second cylindrical port members 3 and i9 respectively. It will be noted that the member l9 rests against the end plate I6 by means of an annular shoulder 20 which serves as a positioning means between the end plate I6 and the member 19. The end plate and the member it may be afiixed together as a unit prior to the overall assembly of the valve, as by brazing at their juncture in the vicinity of the shoulder 2t. As shown, the lower portion 2| of member 19 extending through and below the end plate 16 has a diameter somewhat less than the upper portion 22 which extends outside of the end plate H3. Portion 2! has a diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of sleeve ll so as to engage the same in a snug fitting. The fitting is sealed by a sealing ring 22A of rubber or like material positioned in an annular groove 23 in the peripheral surface of portion 2!. The central channel 24 extending axially through the member it will constitute a port for the valve; in this particular embodiment it may be considered as serving as an inlet port. The lower surface of the portion 2| is provided with an electrically conducting shading ring 25 serving the usual purpose of facilitating the alternating current operation of the coil M.

As the drawing will indicate, the member i8 is fashioned substantially in the same manner as the member 19. It is brazed or otherwise afiixed to the end plate l5 as a unit in the vicinity of the annular shoulder 26 constituting the dividing line between portions of different diameter on opposite sides of the end plate i5. Sealing ring 21 serves the same purpose as the sealing ring 22A, 1. e., both seal fluid within the sleeve H and also facilitate assembly as will be indicated below. Member 18 differs from the member 19 to the extent that its inner end is provided with a frusto-conical section 28, the inner end of which constitutes a valve seat for the termination of the port 29 (considered as an outlet port in this modification) extending axially through the member 18.

The end plates i5 and it are firmly but removably positioned and aflixed to the casing it) by the following means. It will be noted (see Figs. 2 and 3) that the end plate It is provided on its periphery with a' plurality of radially extending studs 3% which may be termed key studs; and further, that the upper edge of the casing ii] is provided with the same plurality of cross shaped key holes 3| (see Fig. 3). Key holes 31 comprise an axial key slot 32 extending axially along the casing l0, completely through the casing from inner to outer Wall, and opening in the upper edge 33 thereof; as well as a peripheral key slot as similarly extending from inner to outer wall of easing it] and through the axial key slot 32. It will be apparent that the radial and axial key slots define a cross shaped opening or key hole extending from the edge of the casing HI and opening in that edge. As Fig. "3 indicates, the key studs 35 rest in the bottom walls of the axial key slots 32. They are held firmly in that position by the resilient key pin 35 which, as Fig. 2 indicates, may comprise a generally U-shap'ed resilient member which is under compression such that it tends to expand the opening of the U. It will be seen that it is shaped to "provide rounded key sections 36 which will fit into the peripheral key slots 34 when the key pin 35 presses outwardly to assume the position shown in the full lines in Fig. 2. By drawing together the ends 3? forming the opening of the U, as suggested by the dotted lines, the sections 36 may be withdrawn from the peripheral key slots. It will be noted then that with the sections 36 in the position shown in the Figs. 2 and 3, they lock the end plate M in positionby preventing any motion of the key studs 30 out of the axial key slots 52. I v

The bottom end of plate I is held in position against the casing it by substantially the same means. A plurality of key holes 38, identical with the key holes 3|, are provided along the lower edge of the casing H3, and plate I5 is provided with the same'plurality of key studs 39 identical with key studs 38, and the end plate H3 is locked in position by a key pin 40 identical with the key pin 35. V v

For firmly positioning the coil i5 within the space between the sleeve l? and the casing It], there is provided a means for pressing it firmly against the end plate 16., This means comprises a floater plate 4| which has an annular shape substantially the same as that of the end plates i5 and it but somewhat more loosely fitting between the sleeve II and the casing It so that it may slide axially of the structure. A compression spring 4:2 is positioned between the floater plate 5| and the plate l5 such thatby exerting pressure on the end plate l5 andthe floater plate 4| it pushes the coil into firm engagement with the end plate l6. V

A variety of fluid controlling elements to constitute a suitable valve mechanism may be included within the sleeve I} for cooperation with the ports 24 and 29. In the Fig. l embodiment elements are provided to constitute a normally closed valve which employs the valve seat 28 as a normally closed element. 7 An electromagnetic plunger 43 is mounted for sliding movement within the sleeve and is biased toward the seat 28 by a compression spring 44 engaging member I9 and the plunger 43 at its opposite ends. Asthe Fig. 4 indicates, plunger 43 is provided with a plurality of axiallyextending channels 45 on its outer surface as well as a central axial channel 45 communicating with the port 24 and with a plurality of radially extending channels 41 which open into the channels 45. Since the plunger 43 is to constitute a valve head for the valve seat 28, it is also provided with a resilient member 48 of rubber or like material set into a suitable recess in the lower end surface of the plunger 43.

The casing l5, and plates and I6, floater plate 4|, plunger 43, and members l8 and I9 may all be made of magnetic material. Sleeve I1 is preferably of nonmagnetic material such as brass or nonmagnetic stainless steel. The presence of 4 the member 48 in the lower end of the plunger 43 will serve to minimize the magnetic flux in the metallic portions below plate 4| and thus help to concentrate the flux in the path defined approximately by the end plate |6, floater plate 4|, and the portions of the casing 50, member l9, and plunger 43 therebetween.

In operation, fluid will flow around the plunger 4 -3 (i. e., through channels 45) as well as through the channels therein and thus facilitate movement of the plunger in the sleeve IT by minimizing friction. The fluid fiow will also help to close the valve when the coil is de-energized and thus tend to overcome any residual magnetic force that may be present. This flow also tends to cool the valve which is particularly important when eddy current due to alternating current operation tends't'o increase the heat losses.

In the modification illustrated in the Fig. 5, fluid controlling elements constituting a normally opened valve within the sleeve H are illustrated. Otherwise, the structure is the same as that of the preceding figures for which reason like numerals have been applied.

In Fig. 5, electromagnetic .plunger '49 is mounted for sliding movement within the sleeve l7 and is biased away from a valve seat 50 through which fluid passes in flowing between the ports 24 and 29. Plunger 49 is provided with a resilient valve head member 5| for cooperation with the valve seat. A spring 52 normally biases the plunger 49 and the valve head 5| away from the valve seat 50 by virtue of the fact that the spring is under compression and engages the member 8 at one end and the bolt 53 at its other, the bolt 53 being afiixed to the plunger 49. It will be apparent of course, that when the coil i4 is energized, it will draw the plunger 49 toward the valve seat to bring the valve head 5| into closing engagement therewith, and that when the coilis de-energized, the spring 52 will draw the plunger back to the open position shown. The plunger, like the plunger in Fig. 1, is provided with a plurality of axially extending channels 54 on its surface (like the channels 45) and on its bottom radially extending channels 55 (like channels 41 in Fig. 1) Fluid may flow through these channels and also through channel 56 in me e 1 .7

The merit of the foregoing construction for purposes of rapid and easy manufacture and assembly, or disassembly, will be readily apparent. Many of the parts, because of simplicity, may be fabricated by simple stamping or like operations. For assembly, the lower unit comprising the member I8 andthe lower end plate l5 may be inserted within the lower end of the casing Ill with key studs 39 in the bottom of their axial key slots; the sleeve I! together with the spring 42, plate 4|, coil l4, and the plunger and other valve parts, such as plunger 43, and spring 44, may then be inserted through the top opening of easing l0 preferably in the order of mentioning. Theinsertion of the sleeve I! over the upper reduced diameter portion of member I8 is facilitated by the fact that the member 2! will compress within its groove in member l8 to ease the sliding action of the sleeve I! over the member l8. Thereafter the upper unit comprising the member I!) and end plate It affixed together as a unit may be inserted in the upper end of casing ID with the key studs 30 resting on the inward end face of axial key slots 32 and member I9 in sleeve I' I. At this stage, the pressure of the compression spring 42 tends to push the end plates [5 and 6 outwardly. However, while the end plates 15 and-Iii are-held with their key studs 30 and 39 in engagement with the inward end of the axial key slots, the key pins 35 and 40 are inserted to lock the key studs in the position shown in Fig. 1. It is understood that the engagement of the sections 36 of the key pins with the outer walls of the peripheral key slots 34 prevents motion of the end plates l5 and IE or their key studs out of the key holes. Key pins 35 and 40 are inserted by drawing their ends 31 together sufficiently to permit the insertion of the key pins within the casing Ill, and then they are released to permit resilient engagement in the peripheral key slots. Disassembly may be accomplished simply by removing the key pins in a converse manner and removing the various parts in an order reverse to that indicated for assembly.

What is claimed is:

l. A valve structure comprising a sleeve, a casing surrounding said sleeve and having key holes in the ends thereof, end plates closing the ends of the space between said sleeve and casing and having peripheral key studs engaging said key holes, a key pin holding the key studs in said key holes, an electromagnetic coil surrounding said sleeve between said sleeve and casing, and valve means in said sleeve for operation by said coil.

2. A structure as in claim 1 in which each said key hole comprises an axial slot to receive a key stud and a peripheral key slot through said axial slot, the key pin comprising a resilient spring resiliently engaging in the peripheral key slots to hold the key studs in the key holes.

3. A valve structure comprising a sleeve, a casing surrounding said sleeve and having key holes in the ends thereof, end plates closing the ends of the space between said sleeve and casing and having peripheral key studs removably engaging said key holes, a key pin holding the key studs in said key holes, port members extending through said end plates and removably engaging with said sleeve whereby said sleeve constitutes a fluid conduit between said port members, an electromagnetic coil surrounding said sleeve between said sleeve and casing, and valve means in said sleeve for cooperation with one of said port members and operation by said coil.

4. A structure as in claim 3 in which each said key hole comprises an axial slot to receive a key stud and a peripheral key slot through said axial slot, the key pin comprising a resilient spring resiliently engaging in the peripheral key slots to hold the key studs in the key holes.

5. A valve structure comprising a sleeve, a casing surrounding said sleeve and having key holes in the ends thereof, end plates closing the ends of the space between said sleeve and casing and having peripheral key studs engaging said key holes, an electromagnetic coil surrounding said sleeve between said sleeve and easing, resilient means between said coil and one of said end plates pressing against said one end plate and coil and acting through said coil against the other of said end plates, means locking said key studs in said key holes whereby said end plates are firmly held in position, and valve means in said sleeve for operation by said coil.

6. A structure as in claim 5 in which each said key hole comprises an axial slot to receive a key stud and a peripheral key slot through said axial slot, said locking means comprising a resilient key pin resiliently engaging in the peripheral key slots to hold the key studs in the key holes.

I '7'. A valve structure comprising a sleeve, 9. casing surrounding said sleeve and having key holes in the ends thereof, end plates closing the ends of the space between said sleeve and casing and having peripheral key studs removably engaging said key holes, port members extending through said end plates and removably engaging with said sleeve where said sleeve constitutes a fluid conduit between said port members, an electromagnetic coil surrounding said sleeve between said sleeve and casing, resilient means between said coil and one of said end plates pressing against said one end plate and coil and acting through said coil against the other of said end plates, resilient removable means locking said key studs in said key holes whereby said end plates are firmly but removably held in position, and valve means in said sleeve for cooperation with one of said port members and operation by said coil.

8. A structure as in claim 7 in which each said key hole comprises an axial slot to receive a key stud and a peripheral key slot through said axial slot, said locking means comprising a resilient key pin resiliently engaging in the peripheral key slots to hold the key studs in the key holes.

9. A valve structure comprising a sleeve, a casing surrounding said sleeve and having key holes in the ends thereof, end plates closing the ends of the space between said sleeve and casing and having peripheral key studs engaging said key holes, an electromagnetic coil surrounding said sleeve between said sleeve and casing, a floater plate surrounding said sleeve between said sleeve and casing, a compression spring between said floater plate and one of said end plates pressing against said one end plate and floater plate and acting through said floater plate and coil against the other of said end plates, means locking said key studs in said key holes whereby said end plates are firmly held in position, and valve means in said sleeve for operation by said coil.

10. A structure as in claim 9 in which each said key hole comprises an axial slot to receive a key stud and a peripheral key slot through said axial slot, and said locking means comprises a resilient key pin engaging in the peripheral key slots to hold the key studs in the key holes.

11. A valve structure comprising a sleeve, a casing surrounding said sleeve and having key holes in the ends thereof, end plates closing the ends of the space between said sleeve and casing and having peripheral key studs removably engaging said key holes, port members extending through said end plates and removably engaging with said sleeve whereby said sleeve constitutes a fluid conduit between said port members, an electromagnetic coil surrounding said sleeve between said sleeve and easing, a floater plate surrounding said sleeve between said sleeve and easing, a compression spring between said floater plate and one of said end plates pressing against said one end plate and floater plate and acting through said floater plate and coil against the other of said end plates, resilient removable means locking said key studs in said key holes whereby said end plates are firmly but removably held in position, and valve means in said sleeve for cooperation with one of said port members and operation by said coil.

12. A structure as in claim 11 in which each said key hole comprises an axial slot to receive a key stud and a peripheral key slot through said axial slot, and said locking means comprises a resilient key pin engaging in the peripheral key slots to hold the key studs in the key holes.

1- 3.A structure as 121 claim 11 in'w hich said valve means comprises 'achannelled plun'ger :for said coil having a valve head thereon a'nd being slideably mounted within -said'sleeve -for motion between said'po'r't members, and spring means between said plunger and oneof "said port members for-biasing said plunger towar'd the other #of (said port memberssaid other port member having a valve seat thereon for cooperation with said valvehead the'valve head being on that :end of the plunger facing the valveseat.

14. A structure as in claim 11 in which said valve means comprises a chann'elled plunger for said'coil having a valve head thereon and being between said port members, an'dispr-ing means between' said plunger andone of said port mem- 'slideabl'y mounted within said-sleeve for motion r ROBERTB. CLAY. GEORGE A. GOEPFRICH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record "in the fileof this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name .Date 2,429,149 Wittenberg -Oct. 14, 1947 2,502,118 Ashton Mar. '28, 1950 

